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The EAA Ray Aviation Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that is funded by the Ray Foundation, managed by EAA, and administered through the EAA Chapters network. Through the generous support of the Ray Foundation, EAA provides up to $12,000 to deserving youths to help cover their flight training expenses, totaling $2,250,000 in annual scholarship funding.

Fund Breakdown

• Core Scholarship Fund: All EAA and divisional chapters in the United States and Canada are eligible for a grant up to $12,000.
• Matching Scholarship Fund: Chapters that have successfully mentored at least one Ray Scholar through flight training are eligible for a 25/75 matching scholarship. The chapter commits 25% of the award and Ray Foundation will fund the other 75%.

Submission Periods

• Chapter Applications: Chapters apply annually from November 1 to January 31 for full $12,000 scholarships, and from November 1 to December 31 for matching scholarships. Chapters that applied for full scholarships are approved by EAA in February. Chapters that applied for a matching scholarship are approved in January.
• Scholar Applications: Scholars nominated by chapters with a full scholarship apply from February through October 31 each year. Those receiving a matching scholarship may apply starting in January. Applied scholars are approved by EAA on a monthly basis.

The 2026 chapter application period will open on November 1, 2025

The Ray Aviation Scholarship is supported by the Ray Foundation. Learn more about James C. Ray and the Ray Foundation ›